Spike flew around Equestria, and things were no looking very pleasant!

It had only been a couple of days since the dimensional distortion, when Twilight and the others were wrapped to the other worlds, and yet ponies were all in a panic worry, especially for the whereabouts of Celestia and Luna. They should have returned to Canterlot yesterday!

Same with Cadance and Shining Armor! The Crystal Empire was really getting worried.

The royal councillor, Page Binder, was a beige unicorn stallion, with a golden yellow mane and tail, and his cutie mark was that of a book and quill, being a chancellor and bookkeeper.

Due to the absence of Cadance and Shining Armor, he was now in charge of the Crystal Empire as acting regent; a position he respected and handled with grace, but did not appreciate given the current circumstances.

“We must find Princess Cadance and Shining Armor at once!” he declared “The very survival of our beloved empire very well depends on it.”

The guards agreed and continued on their searches for the royal family while others maintained their posts.

At the palace in Canterlot, the chancellor there was a mare unicorn named Spell Keeper: She was white in color and had a two-toned long mane, colored pink and purple. Her cutie mark was that of an ancient scroll.

The captain of the royal guard approached her and she asked “Any sign of them?”

“No, Chancellor.” replied the captain “We received written letters from all outposts and alliances in all the land, and there is just no sign of Princess Celestia, or Luna. It’s as if they’ve dropped off the face of the world entirely.”

Spell Keeper sighed “You must keep looking.” she wasn’t kidding; being only elected chancellor she could barely handle the duties and responsibilities of the two royal sisters. Fortunately, her other colleagues were able to help her with most of the hard work, and take shifts for day and night.

Still, she just couldn’t handle all these extra, grueling, and painful duties. It seemed they were never-ending! Worse, she wished for the sisters to be found so as the ponies of the land could rest easy, knowing they all missed the sisters.

Poor Spike, he really wished there was some way he could inform the council of the ponies’ whereabouts, but they couldn’t see or hear him, nor could he pick up a quill and paper to write a message-- his claws just passed right through them, and he knew the rules from the lord…

“We cannot interfere in their lives.”

Spike began to find it weird that he was caring so much for Equestria again. “Why am I thinking like this?” he wondered “These are the same ponies that caused me to fall into the darkness. On the other hand, maybe they just don’t deserve to suffer?”

He then flew off, arriving in Ponyville faster than a heartbeat, and things were most disturbing there as well, especially in the Castle of Friendship, which had been remolded… by Discord!

“Oh, no…!” Spike said as he observed how weird the castle looked.

It had a huge carving of Discord’s head as the front gate, leading right into his huge mouth. The body of the castle was now made of a giant gingerbread structure, stronger than it looked, and towers were all statues of Discord as he was.

Spike, disgusted already, melded through the walls to see the inside of the castle was enough to make him want to leap through his dark outfit.

There was an actual forest in the foyer, with trees that gave candy bars and milkshakes. There was a river of strawberry soda with a matching waterfall on a cliff face, and all kinds of furniture floating up near the ceiling.

All other rooms were topsy-turvy, with the furniture on the walls, stairs on the ceiling leading to a dead end drop.

The hallways were converted into 3D mazes with stairs, doorways, ladders and ramps, enough to make you dizzy just looking at it.

“That Discord,” Spike grumbled “Where does he get off doing this to the castle?”

Suddenly a royal fanfare sounded, making him yelp, and a familiar voice called out, “Presenting, his esteemed highness and ruler of Ponyville: Lord Discord Esquire!”

That’s when Discord came out all dressed up in a fancy red tuxedo, with a matching top-hat, a long thin mustache, a monocle over his left eye, and he carried a fancy walking stick as the sound of cheering erupted and he walked out.

Then there were duplicates of himself dressed as guests greeting him as he passed down the hallway. Some of the Discord clones were ladies, and he tenderly kissed their hands, and the ladies swooned.

“My, my…it’s good to be me.” Discord said with pride, and then he snapped his fingers and made his subjects all vanish, and he sighed, “Well, I killed about a minute. I wish I knew how to get the ponies back.

It’s getting so annoying staying here in this empty castle, talking to myself all the time!”

He walked down the hall and disappeared, and Spike couldn’t believe it. “He’s just housesitting for Twilight.” he said to himself.

He left the castle and flew all around Ponyville.

Applejack’s family was suffering miserably without her there; Big Mac and Applebloom had to do twice as many chores around the place in their sister’s absence.

Applebloom looked pretty overworked; her mane was little frazzled, her bow was sagging, and she was filthier than usual. “Whoo…!” she groaned as she pulled a plow along, “I don’t know how much more of this I can pull.

I really wish I knew what happened to Applejack.”

“Eeyup.” agreed Big Mac, and he pulled along a huge hay wagon, his fifth haul of the day.

Granny Smith grumbled in her rocker, “Con-sarnit! If I was at least ten years younger, I’d help y’all out.

In fact--” she bolted up and out her chair, eager to help out with the chores.

“Granny, don’t!” cried Applebloom “Remember the last time you tried to help with the heavy chores?”

“Don’t you be tellin’ me how to run my own farm, young filly!” sneered Granny, but as she bent down to lift an empty bushel bucket onto her back… CRACK… she threw her back out! “Oop…! A’rgh!”

Big Mac and Applebloom sighed, but they graciously helped their grandmother up and carry her to the house to get her rest and call the doctor.

Spike then flew to Fluttershy’s place and saw Tree Hugger was caring for all the animals, she was feeding them lunch, but poor Angel didn’t even touch his salad. He looked way too sad to eat, he was missing Fluttershy. She usually wasn’t away longer than a day or a night.

“Whoa, little furry friend,” said Tree Hugger “Your frown is like harshing my mellow. Then again, I feel the missing link.”

She was basically saying she was worried about Fluttershy too.

Then there was Sugar Cube Corners. The Cakes seemed to be having it not quite as hard, even in Pinkie Pie’s absence; they managed to keep their baking orders on schedule, and still take care of their infant children.

Just the same, “It’s too quiet around here.” said Carrot Cake.

“I know what you mean.” agreed Cupcake “I hope she comes home soon.”

Their children were in their playpen playing with a Pinkie Pie plushy-- Pinkie Pie and her friends were very well known in all of Equestria for their heroisms, and there was merchandise about them.

“Pinkie…” said Pound, “…Pie.” added Pumpkin. They both said her name rather low and sad.

“Ohh… I know kids, I know.” their mother said as she stroked them both softly, “She’ll be home soon, I promise.”

She really hoped it would be soon!

Spike walked down the streets, and then he came up to Carousel Boutique, which was silent and still. Usually Rarity would be working her tail off, but he felt she wouldn’t be working on anything now… since she and Rainbow Dash, along with Princess Luna and Cadance had obviously died centuries ago.

“Rarity…” he thought of the most, and he still found it amazing he was actually caring this much.

Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came along, with Opalescence riding on Sweetie’s back. “What did the vet say?” asked Scootaloo. “She said Opal was lucky I came by when she had, or she would’ve gone hungry from neglect.” replied Sweetie. “I just wish I knew where Rarity was. This isn’t like her to just disappear in a couple of days.”

“You think that’s bad?” said Scoot “Rainbow’s due to fly in the Wonderbolts Express Show next week. I’ve been waiting a whole month to see it! I even camped outside to get a ticket!”

The two girls continued chatting as they walked right past Spike-- passing right through him, not feeling a thing. For once he felt really glad they couldn’t see or hear him. He never thought he’d have the heart to tell them that Rarity, Rainbow, and two of the princesses would never be coming back.

He closed his eyes and titled his head way up to the sky. He then began to absorb the dark aura, which felt much stronger than ever due to everyone’s sadness and worry.

“Well, I guess I might as well head back.” Then he flew way up high and vanished through a portal.

In the Feudal Era, several white serpent like creatures were flying through the air, carrying beneath them glowing white orbs of light, the souls of young woman standing on a hill by a lone treet in an open field, and taking them over to their controller…

…Kikyo!

Absorbing these souls helped sustain her dwindling life force to keep her going since she was brought back to life by a demonic curse. Now she sought only to either defeat Inuyasha, or Naraku himself; feeling either one would allow her spirit to fully rest and find peace.

She absorbed the souls from her collectors and just stood there in the field as her long black hair fluttered in the breeze. Her soul collectors coiled around her keeping close. “I feel a great disturbance.” she said to them “Something very dark, and very somber.”

Suddenly, she could hear bit of rustling in the fields below. She peered round the tree and could see the royal caravan being escorted by Inuyasha. She stared directly at him, not even blinking or narrowing her eyes. She didn’t even seem to care that Inuyasha was riding atop a pony-like creature.

“Inuyasha…”

Inuyasha turned to look back at the tree, swearing he could feel something was there, and suddenly he smelled a scent most familiar to him, “I know that smell anywhere!”

He leapt off of Luna’s back and dashed off into the field.

“Inuyasha!” called Kagome.

“Where’s he going?” asked Cadance.

Rainbow looked up into the sky, “And what the heck are those?”

The rest of the gang looked up and saw the strange creature. “Those are Kikyo’s soul collectors.” cried Kagome “She must be nearby.”

“That would explain Inuayasha’s sudden anxiety.” said Miroku.

Inuyasha reached the lone tree where the smell was getting strong, but he couldn’t find Kikyo anywhere. Obviously she had seen him and gone off. “Damn it!” he grumbled “I know she was here.”

He sniffed around hoping to pick up on her scent, but the smell only began to fade away into nothing along the breeze which added to his already mounting frustration.

“Inuyasha…!” called Luna as she flew up to him “Are you alright? Did you find your lost love?”

His silence was enough to tell her plainly, “Oh, I am sorry to know that.” said Luna.

“Never mind…” said Inuyasha, and he leapt way up onto her back again, which didn’t hurt her at all, “Come on, let’s get back to the others.”

Soon as they got back to the caravan Kagome asked “Did you see her anywhere?”

“No, I didn’t!” he grouched at her.

“Whoa! I was just asking if you saw her! You don’t have to take that voice with me.”

“Stop it both of you!” snapped Rarity “We have other pressing matters to deal with.”

Naturally she referred to Princess Tsuyu, whom was still much shaken and in sorrow from learning about Nobunaga being in love with her.

She wouldn’t talk to anyone, not even her husband. She just sat in her seat in the coach and stared blindly at the floor of it.

Hiyoshimaru looked up and her, and softly tapped her knees to get her to snap out of it, but to no avail.

Shippo waved his hand in front of her and she barely even blinked. “Is she alright?”

Lord Kimo sighed “I fear she is deeper in shock than we felt. I cannot say that I blame her.”

Sango looked in at the silent princess and felt sorry for her. Then she looked on ahead and could see a village coming up over the horizon.

“That is where we are to do our trades.” said Lord Kimo, but he looked over at his wife feeling she was in no trading mood. “I can still handle whatever negotiations there are. I just hope that my wife will find relief.”

Cadance closed her eyes and concentrated on the Princess’s heart, and she could sense that it was indeed grieving and in terrible shock. “The poor dear.” she said to herself

Miroku--riding on Cadance-- reached into his robe for a small pouch of beans, and passed some to the lord through the carriage window “This bean is coated with a special medicinal potion to help her with the depression.”

“Thank you.” said Kimo as he accepted the bean and attempted to give it to his wife, “Princess, please take this.”

His wife finally responded and took the bean, softly popping it in her mouth and chewed it slowly. Suddenly she gagged softly at the horrible taste of the potion, “Oh… ugh! Whatever is this?!”

No one bothered to explain it to her.

Soon the Caravan was welcomed into the village and the people began to cheer for the arrival of the royal couple. They were most surprised to see Inuyasha and friends, especially the ponies, but the guards were informed of what had happened on the way, and the gang was welcomed as heroes, and offered to be put up at least for the night.

Suddenly, Inuyasha began to pick up Kikyo’s scent again, like she were somewhere in the village. “She’s here! I know it!” he snapped, and he ran off.

“Inuyasha! SIT!!” shouted Kagome.

WHAPP!! “OOF!!”

“We’ve just been welcomed in!” growled Kagome “Don’t embarrass us by taking off.”

Inuyasha growled angrily, but didn’t dare argue back for fear of Kagome making him sit again.

The ponies all stood together, “Don’t we still have to try and figure out how to get out of this world?” asked Rainbow.

“We can worry about that later.” said Cadance “I’m too worried about Princess Tsuyu to really leave now.”

Luna agreed, “I suppose we can stay a while longer, after all good friends should be there to comfort one another in times of sadness.”

Rarity nodded in agreement, “Much as I would wish to go home and see all our friends again, I’m inclined to agree. Besides, we must also find out the mystery of why the princess can see the ghost of her friend.

And you of course, Princess Luna.”

In the Digi-Destined world, Gennai had soon appeared before everyone and expressed his disappointment. As honored as he was to meet the ponies, that didn’t change a thing with his concern.

“You nearly blew the Digital World wavelengths through the roof!” he scolded, “What were you thinking bringing an unknown creature into the Digital World, and then opening a huge rift?”

“I’m really sorry about this…” Twilight said “I just really wanted to explore the Digital World, and I was ready to take risks, at least I thought I was.”

“I’m sorry too…” said Ken “But we needed to get some power from the Dark Ocean for an experiment.” and he explained of the situation about Davis, and Gennai was rather intrigued, “And you think using the darkness you absorbed will get his spirit to come down?”

“We don’t know.” said Izzy “But we really need to try this, for Kari’s sake.”

That’s when Gennai looked over at Kari and Gatomon, no doubt he was planning to take Gatomon back to the Digital World with him.

“Please don’t…!” cried Kari “I can’t bear to be away from her!”

“Kari still doesn’t even have her D3 anyway.” added Gatomon “She’s just not allowed to be a Digi Destined or own me. Can’t you at least let me stay with her… as a friend?”

Everyone seemed to favor the idea, and Tai backed it up, “I know she’s been stripped of her power, but she’s already been hanging with other Digimon.”

Gennai hesitated, unsure of what to do. Legally there wasn’t really anything against Gatomon coming to and from the two worlds herself as she was never guilty of any of the crimes, and she did seem happy to be back with Kari and the other again. “Look, I’m not sure what I’m really going to do. I’ll have to have a word with the guardians. Meanwhile, Kari, you’re to watch Gatomon every moment.”

Kari smiled softly, “Thank you.” and she and Gatomon hugged to everyone’s delight.

TK felt especially happy for Kari, and yet a little sad for himself. He knew there was no questioning it; Patamon was legally imprisoned in The Dark Ocean, and no amount of reasoning would change that.

“So, what exactly are you going to do about Davis again?” asked Gennai “I’d actually like to stay and see this.”

“Well, we don’t know yet.” said Izzy “We have to wait until he shows himself again, and only Kari can see him.”

“Don’t worry…” said Twilight “…I have a plan.”

Jun then whipped out her cellphone “I’ve got to tell my mom. She’ll flip her hair out.”

The others all felt that a bit scary than comforting.

In Jump City…

Robin got off the video phone with the jewelry store owner, and the deal was going through nicely. “Thank you very much. This means a lot to us.” Robin said, and then he logged the video off. “He’s accepted the proposal.”

Starfire gasped, “The proposal…?!”

“Not THAT kind, Star…” Robin assured her “He’s accepted to barter with the Sun Crystal for the crown jewels.”

Celestia bowed her head, “I’m relieved to hear of it.”

Pinkie was bouncing with glee, “We’ll be able to go home! This is so neat!”

Applejack was delighted to hear that, but she couldn’t help but feel bad for the Titans, what with all their problems with Beast Boy and all that, especially Terra.

Speaking of whom…

Terra was napping in her room, and she was having a nightmare…!

There was, standing in a stark black world of nothingness. All ways it was just blackness and more blackness, it felt rather creepy.

“What’s happening? Where am I?” she called out.

“Where do you think you are?!” hissed a familiar voice, and Beast Boy appeared before her, but in his normal form, not his Dark Angel. “We’re inside your heart, which as cold, dark and empty as you are!”

“Beast Boy?” cried Terra.

“Don’t say anything!” he growled at her. “You know just as well as I do that you’re nothing but a bitch and a whore! Not only do you make promises you don’t intend to keep, and you (bleeping) shit all over them!!”

Terra felt each word as a stroke of guilt stinging her right in the heart, “Beast Boy, don’t… I’m pregnant! I’m going to have YOUR baby!”

Beast boy’s eyes shimmered wickedly, “Not anymore you’re not!” and before Terra could question, she suddenly found herself strapped to a huge board, bound at the ankles and wrists! All this appeared out of nowhere, and worse… Beast Boy revved up a chainsaw, to her terror.

“That kid doesn’t deserve a bitch like you for mom… Just like YOU DON’T DESERVE TO LIVE!!”

He revved up the chainsaw ready to strike her… “No…!! NO…!!” Terra screamed.

The blades came right down at her, followed by a white flash…!

…Terra woke up in a scream of fright!

Her scream was so loud and frightful; the others heard her and were at her bedroom door in a heartbeat. “Terra…!” cried Cyborg “You okay, girl?”

Poor Terra was quivering and panting stressfully. Her face was rather sweaty too “I was… having a… nightmare!” she panted.

“I’ll say you were.” said Applejack.

Suddenly, they could all hear the sound of Flurry Heart crying from Starfire’s room. “Oh, dear… I better check on her.” said Celestia.

Terra then placed her hands over her face and began to weep softly.

“Terra…?” Robin said as he sat down beside her “…Was it about Beast Boy?”

Terra nodded softly, not even looking up at him and continued to sob softly into her hands.

“Oh, Terra…” Starfire cried as she sat next to her and held her softly “You must try and be brave, for your child.”

“It hurts…!” Terra sobbed “I can’t take it!”

Pinkie and Applejack felt heartbroken for Terra-- especially considering the stories they had heard. It pained them both to see Terra so broken up like this; it was like she was suffering from a really serious friendship problem.

They both gawked at each other, and both happened upon the same idea, and went off to find Celestia.

“Where are you two going?” asked Raven.

“We need to talk with the princess.” said Applejack “It’s… uh… Equestrian stuff, you wouldn’t understand.”

Raven knew they were up to something, but she didn’t bother care about it seeing how upset Terra was, and she needed all her friends by now.

“I just feel so guilty.” said Terra “What am I going to do? I can’t shake this off!”

“Well you can’t keep stress like this,” said Cyborg “It could really hurt you and the baby.”

This only made Terra feel concerned than better.

In Starfire’s room, Flurry Heart was crying rather uncontrollably. Celestia had tried everything from changing her diaper, trying to feed her… Pinkie Pie even tried making goofy faces in attempt to make the child laugh, but to no avail. “Wow, talk about a tough crowd.” she muttered.

Celestia sighed as she held the baby in her front limbs, “It’s no good, she needs the comfort of her mother, Cadance… and I just can’t care for her that way.”

“Even if we get back to Equestria,” said Applejack “What’s to say Cadance will even be there? Everyone took dimensional U-turns, remember…?”

Flurry only seemed to cry louder and harder.

“There, now you’ve upset her even more.” said Pinkie.

It became obvious that Flurry wouldn’t stop crying for a bit, so Celestia cast a small muting spell over the baby to cancel out her voice until she calmed down. Flurry was still crying and fussing but at least it was quiet.

“The sooner we get back to Equestria, the better.” said Celestia, but then she noticed the others were looking a little strange. “Something on your minds?” she asked.

“Well… um… actually…” Applejack stammered, but Celestia then smiled, “You’re worried about the Titans aren’t you, especially Terra?”

The girls blinked once in astonishment, “Yeah,” said Pinkie “How did you…?”

“Because I feel the same too.” replied Celestia. She then looked down at Flurry Heart, and felt torn between decisions. In the end, she agreed with Applejack and Pinkie, while it was important to get Flurry home fast and back to her parents, “…The needs of the many more outweigh the needs of the few.” she said “And… it is most important to help friends. We owe them that much for helping us.”

So it was agreed, they would at least try to help Terra move past her trauma over Beast Boy’s death. “But just how are we supposed to do that?” asked Applejack.

Not one of them had any idea how. Even Celestia had never seen such heartbreak and trauma.

Later on, Terra was relaxed, and Cyborg made her some hot soup and tea to help her stress go down.

“Feel better now?” Cyborg asked.

“A little.” replied Terra, and she took in a few huge breaths to help the stress, and give the baby some air.

Celestia then cleared her throat, “I have something to say…”

The Titans all looked at her, “We’ve decided not to return to Equestria just yet.”

“What?” said Starfire “But surely you will be wishing to return home and see all your friends and families again.”

“She’s got us there.” said Pinkie, but Applejack nudged her softly. “We’re stayin’ here until we can sort y’all out with this Beast Boy thing.”

“Sort us… out?” asked Raven.

“Long story short,” said Applejack “We wanna help y’all come to grips with Beast boy and all that.” she looked at Terra “Especially you, girl. You’re gonna knock yourself to bits, and we don’t want that happenin’ to you.”

Terra made no attempt to argue, “But how,” she said “How can you possibly make things better for me. Beast Boy is dead! This baby I’m carrying will never know its father!” she paused as her tears starting flowing “…All because of me. It’s my fault…!”

The ponies and the other titans all sighed. Was there really no end to Terra’s woes?

“We know,” said Celestia “We’ve been told the story.”

Terra looked up with a nervous look in her eyes. Pinkie and Applejack nodded at her, but seeing as she already felt super bad, they made no attempt to scold her.

“We still want to help you.” said Pinkie “It’s what we do back home; turn this…” she pointed at Terra’s gloomy frown “… into this.” And she pushed the frown into a smile, “So it won’t be like this…” she curled it back into a frown “…And more like this.” she made her smile again.

“You’re kind of hurting my face.” Terra groaned.

Pinkie backed away sheepishly, and Terra sighed, “I just wish I could at least try to make peace with him.” Terra said “He looked so dark, so miserable.”

“We all wish that we could make the peace.” agreed Starfire “But we are unable to see or hear him when he is near. Just you and Raven are able.”

Robin then looked over at Raven, “Do you think you cast that spell again; the one that allows us to see things through your eyes?”

“Yes.” replied Raven “But I haven’t used it in a while, I’ll need to warm up first before I can use it.” she then looked at the ponies “I also don’t know what effects it’ll have on you.”

“Don’t worry,” said Celestia “My magic will be ready in case things go wrong. You just do what you have to.”

Raven agreed, and then went off to her room to meditate, study and prepare. All that was needed now was for Beast Boy to show himself again.

In the Dark Zone, Beast Boy was meditating quietly amongst his comrades when Spike had returned from his mission. “Oh…” he peeped softly “Meditation in progress.”

“It’s okay, Spike,” said Beast Boy “We were about to wake up anyway.”

Davis and Nobunaga opened their eyes and sighed softly. “Good meditation hits the spot.” said Davis “…Well, it would if we had spots to hit.”

Spike didn’t even smirk.

“I take it by your silence, your world is falling to bits?” said Nobunaga.

Spike nodded, and he told the others what he saw. “If those ponies don’t get back to Equestria soon I don’t know what’s going to happen.” he paused “Oh, great! I’m still showing that I care again.”

The others sympathized with him, but only so much. “In the end, nothing will really matter to us.” said Nobunaga “Their fate does not affect ours and we-- Ah…!!” he clutched his head and fell to his knees groaning like he were in pain.

“Dude, what is it?” asked Beast Boy.

“My… memories…” groaned Nobunaga “They are being… altered… again!”

He was telling the truth, all the Dark Angels around were feeling the shifts in their own memories and time, even the lord was feeling the shifting of the darkness. “Truly, this is the work of your former friends.” he called out to Spike “The darkness continues to shift. This cannot go much longer. The secret of our very existence may be threatened.”

Quickly as it came, the stress passed as the angels were all readjusted in the present.

“What happened back then?” asked Davis.

Nobunaga thought deeply, “I remember… being out on my daily bout to gather aura.”

In the Feudal Era: 500 years ago…

Inuyasha and friends stayed in the village with Kimo and Tsuyu. They consumed their fill of food, and relaxed in the hot springs, but all the while, Inuyasha kept looking up and all around hoping to find Kikyo. Her scent was starting to fade, but was still there.

Then at night, as Inuyasha and the others slept in their special guest hut near the royal palace, Inuyasha felt the air tickle his chin softly, and his nose began to twitch as the scent felt extremely strong. He opened his eyes, and there she was standing at the open doorway. “Kikyo…?” he peeped softly.

She didn’t say anything. Just stared at him with a deep and strange expression, and then backed away, “Wait…!” Inuyasha called and chased after her, waking Kagome. She saw him go off, but didn’t call out to him not wanting to disturb the others, and just got up to follow him outside.

She just stepped outside the hut and could see Inuyasha and, “Kikyo…” they were by the village entrance, standing several feet away from each other.

Finally, Kikyo spoke, “Inuyasha, it has been awhile, hasn’t it?”

“What are you doing here, Kikyo?” Inuyasha asked rather coldly “Still absorbing the souls of young women?”

Kikyo remained as cool as ice. “You know I require these souls to sustain my life force. Without them I will perish, but that is not the point. I feel there is a great disturbance near, something dark and somber.”

Inuyasha snuffed “Yeah, we already know.”

Kikyo closed her eyes, and suddenly she was raised up into the air by her soul collectors.

“Wait… Kikyo!” called Inuyasha.

“…I will see you again.” she said to him, and she flew out of sight leaving Inuyasha to simply stand where he is and looking up where she was, and feeling rather crushed inside.

Kagome saw everything, “Inuyasha…” she softly called to him “Are you okay?” For once he didn’t bark at her, but just shot her a crushed expression and sighed, which told her enough, and she felt bad for him.

They weren’t the only ones wide awake.

In the royal palace, in their guest sweet, the royal couple lay in their futon. Lord Kimo was sleeping peacefully. Even Hiyoshimaru was sleeping quietly, and scratched his little monkey bottom in his sleep, but Princess Tsuyu lay wide awake staring at the ceiling above.

“Nobunaga…” she muttered softly, still worried about his dark spirit, and practically wishing to see him again to at least talk about what she had learned.

The next morning, she was very baggy eyed, having hardly slept at all, much to the concern of her husband. “Catch up your sleep, princess.” he said to her “I can handle the trades myself.”

His wife nodded and agreed to sleep. Hiyoshimaru stayed by her side and snuggled next to her, even though he wasn’t tired.

The friends had all awoken too and just finished breakfast. Shippo was playing around with Kirara and some of the children near the palace grounds.

Rainbow Dash and Rarity were even giving some of the children playful pony rides, but now flying or levitation.

“I find this to be rather demeaning.” snorted Rarity. “Ah, get over yourself.” said Rainbow “At least this helps us to kill time; better than just sitting around all day.”

“Giddy up, horsey.” the little girl on Rarity’s back cooed. Rarity sighed, and trotted forth.

Shippo shook his head pitifully at Rarity, “She sure is snooty.”

Kirara moaned softly in agreement.

“You should see her in a good mood.” Rainbow joked.

Meanwhile, Inuyasha was meditating quietly by himself, away from the rest fo the gang, and Kagome told the others about last night.

“So Kikyo was here.” said Miroku.

Kagome nodded “I don’t know exactly, but she was claiming about something dark and somber. I think she knows the situation about Nobunaga and the princess.”

Sango sighed “This situation seems to be growing more depressing over time. It seems to affect all of us and anyone who comes close to it.”

“Agreed…” said Princess Luna “Perhaps the only way to settle this is ease everyone’s minds and souls; by conversing with Nobunaga’s spirit.”

Cadance agreed to that, “But how can we all talk to him? Except for you and Princess Tsuyu, none of us can see or hear him.”

“Fear not…” said Luna “This may sound frightening, but I believe I can help so that we ALL may be able to see him.”

Everyone gawked at her with deep awe and curiosity, and Luna explained how since she was a creature of a darkness, which possibly explained why she could see Nobunaga’s spirit, “Perhaps a little of my magic cast on all of you will allow you to see what I am able to see.”

Myoga shuddered “Just the very thought of such a feat gives me shivers.”

Luna sighed “Unfortunately, the only way to be certain is that Nobunaga is spotted, and I fear that will not be so simple.”

“That I agree with.” said Myoga “Now that Nobunaga is aware that you are able to see him, he will be cautious to keep his distance.”

“So what do we do then?” asked Kagome.

Everyone thought it over, and Shippo came over, “Hey, I got it. I remember when we fought against those demons; Nobunaga was suddenly pulled down by your magic, princess.”

“He’s right.” agreed Rainbow “If he comes anywhere near here, just flash a little dark aura at him, and he’ll come down like a magnet pulling on metal.”

It was decided, and everyone felt it wouldn’t be too hard to know when Nobunaga was around; he couldn’t resist getting closer to Princess Tsuyu every time.

“Even in spirit his heart still aches for her.” said Cadance “I know it sounds creepy, but at the same time it sounds romantic as well.”

“Huh!” scoffed Inuyasha “I think it’s sickening; the fact that he’s dead and still pining for a girl who never loved him and never will. He’s the same Idjat he always was.”

Everyone else glared at him angrily for that one, and nodded at Kagome.

“Sit boy!”

WHAPP!! “D’UGH!”

“You’ve got a lot of nerve!” growled Kagome “Nobunaga’s not really any different than you! Kikyo’s dead, and you still go after her.”

“So really it makes you no different at all.” agreed Sango.

Inuyasha growled softly.

As the day went by, eventually, Nobunaga came to the lands for his daily duty of collecting dark aura, but he kept high above the clouds, feeling nervous about being seen by those that could see him.

“I will simply take the aura, and return home.” he said to himself, and he stuck out his arms and began to absorb the dark aura from the air.

At the same moment, down below, Princess Luna felt very strange.

“What is it?” asked Cadance.

Luna didn’t answer but she flew up, up high into the sky.

“Princess…!” Miroku called to her.

Princess Tsuyu had awoken and was just coming down the steps of the palace to spend time in the village while her husband worked with the traders. Hiyoshimaru sat on her shoulder.

“Good day, my friends.” she said to the gang “Where is Princess Luna?”

“She just flew way up there.” replied Shippo “I think this is it…!”

Tsuyu’s heart skipped a beat, and she looked up at the sky.

Outside the village, Sesshomaru and his team were closing in.

“This must be it,” cried Jaken “Inuyasha must be somewhere in this village.”

“I’m quite aware of this, Jaken.” said Sesshomaru “Even still, something does not feel quite right, and I have a feeling it has something to so with those strange creatures.”

Rin looked up at her master with a concerned expression. He looked down at her, his expression hadn’t changed. He had no intention to storm the village, not just to get at his brother. “We’ll get in closer, and observe.”

In the air, Nobunaga stuck his arms out and began to absorb the aura, unaware that Princess Luna was hiding nearby amongst the clouds, and she could see him fully.

She got him perfectly in her sight, and her horn began to glow with her own dark aura, and she fired it right at him.

All at once, Nobunaga began to absorb the power. “What?!” he snapped “What is this?”

Then he could see through the clouds, “…You!” and before he could break away, Luna poured on much more power, ensnaring him in a shrouding of dark aura, like a tractor beam.

“Hey!” thundered Nobunaga “Release me!” He couldn’t seem to teleport back to the Dark Zone while he was stuck, but he was still able to move while still stuck under the magic.

“Whoa!” cried Luna as she felt herself being pulled along as Nobunaga flew about trying to shake her off.

He soared up, down, and every way around, but Princess Luna was determined not to let him get away this time, and she held on with all her might, but she had never felt such incredible strength like this before.

Down below, “Look up there!” Rarity cried, and everyone looked up to see Princess Luna flying about struggling with control of something caught in her magical aura. Only Princess Tsuyu could see, “…Nobunaga!”

Suddenly, as Princess Luna continued to struggle and be pulled about, everyone could see within the bug field of aura she was hauling.

“Does anyone else see that?” asked Kagome.

“Something’s materializing in the aura.” cried Cadance.

The creature became more and more opaque, until Kagome, Inuyasha and Shippo recognized him entirely.

“Nobunaga!” cried Kagome.

“It really is him!” added Inuyasha.

Shippo had no words, and just gawked in awe, like the rest of the gang.

“I see him…” said Sango.

“The magic from the darkness must be making him tangible.” suggested Miroku.

Princess Luna continued to struggle and pull Nobunaga down. “Please!” she called to him “Can we not speak with you?”

“Never…! Let me go!” shouted Nobunaga, and he continued to pull hard dragging Luna through the air.

Cadance and Rarity nodded at one another, and Rarity hopped up onto Cadance’s back. The two of them flew up high and then added their own telekinetic magic to Luna, strengthening her pull. Nobunaga didn’t stand a chance.

The ponies touched down on the ground, still holding Nobunaga within Luna’s aura field.

“Nobunaga!” cried Tsuyu as she race towards him, but Rainbow stopped her “Don’t go near him.”

Nobunaga was furious and demanded they release him! Yet so far all any of the others could do was just gawk at him, and how he seemed so dark, bitter looking, and the clothes he wore…!

“Release me!” shouted Nobunaga “I know not how you did this, but I demand you release me!”

Inuyasha finally snapped out of his trance and approached Nobunaga, but didn’t get too close to him. “How about you calm down first and we talk this over.”

Nobunaga growled angrily.

“Nobunaga…” Tsuyu cried as she approached him softly.

“Pr… Pri… Princess?!” stammered Nobunaga. If he were alive he would be going numb inside, but his emotions still felt the same.

Hiyohismaru went crazy and leapt down off Tsuyu’s shoulder, leaping all about, but Nobunaga barely noticed nor cared.

“What has happened to you?” asked Tsuyu.

Nobunaga balked at her, “That is none of your concern!”

“Nobunaga, please!” said Kagome “We just want to talk with you.”

Nobunaga still showed no interest, “It will make no difference even if we do.” he grumbled.

Suddenly, a dark force began to rupture the dark aura, and Nobunaga was released.

“What was that?” asked Inuyasha. No one could see anything, not even Tsuyu, but Princess Luna could see another creature, darker and more creepy looking than Nobunaga, using dark magic to dispel her magical binding.

“Come Nobunaga!” he called, and the two creatures flew up high into the sky.

“Nobunaga, wait…! Please don’t go!!” cried Tsuyu, but he would not even look back at her as he and his comrade disappeared through a dark portal that everyone could see.

“They’re gone!” cried Miroku.

“But to where?” wondered Sango, not that it really mattered. They were gone, and Tsuyu burst into tears. “Princess…” Kagome said comforting the sobbing lady.

The others were all disappointed, and feeling rather upset. “He wouldn’t even let us try to talk to him.” said Rainbow “He’s as stubborn as a mule.”

Rarity didn’t even badly react to that word “Mule”, but even she herself was rather livid and upset with the way Nobunaga had behaved. “I suppose it’s obvious now… we have no way of really communicating with his spirit, whether we can see him or not.”

In the Dark Zone, back in the present, one of the sentries came along, the very who helped Nobunaga escape, insisting he remembered it all too as his memories were revised in the time shift.

The lord was now very concerned, “Normally, we Dark Angels do not interfere with the lives of mortals, but because our existence was threatened there was no alternative.”

Nobunaga looked and felt very disturbed, “Those cursed ponies nearly had me. Why could none of them understand there was nothing to speak of?”

Spike couldn’t believe the ponies; he knew they had tendencies to be stubborn, but now they had really gone over the line. Already he was starting to feel in-differed to them again rather than worried.

Beast Boy and Davis began to feel worried, what if their former friends and teammates tried something like this on one of them next.

“We can’t go on like this.” said Davis “There may not be anything we can do about those ponies in the past, but the ones in our worlds, they and our former teammates may try something else next.”

Beast Boy clenched his fists, “We can’t let them! They’ve caused us enough shit as it is. If it wasn’t for them we probably wouldn’t even be here in this nightmare of a limbo at all.”

No other Dark Angel within ear range felt the least bit offended, and neither did the lord himself, which was why agreed, “…You are correct. We must fix this before more harm is dealt to us.”

Every other Dark Angel felt skeptical about this. Never in their known existence in the darkness had they ever interfered with the lives of mortals.

The lord calmed everyone, “I have said before; anything is possible, and in this case it is needed.

Rules and regulations come in all sorts of differences and reasoning, but they all share one common fact: All rules were made to be broken as well as followed.

For once… even I must make an exception.

…We must bring the ponies… here!”

Silence fell all over the Dark Zone, as every single Dark Angel silently contemplated this, but none as deeply as, Spike, Davis, Beast Boy and Nobunaga.

Author's Notes:

Sometimes, things are the way they are for a reason, and if you go making changes that shouldn't be made... you could end up in a whole mess of trouble!